רָשַׁשׁ
to demolish
Definition
The Hebrew verb רָשַׁשׁ (râshash) means to demolish or destroy, particularly in the sense of tearing down structures or reducing something to ruins. It carries a strong connotation of violent destruction, as seen in Malachi 1:4, where Edom's buildings are said to be demolished. In Jeremiah 5:17, the word is used metaphorically to describe the devastating effects of an invading army that will 'eat up' and impoverish the land, linking physical destruction with economic ruin. Thus, the term encompasses both literal demolition and the resulting state of desolation and loss.
Biblical Usage
This verb appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in prophetic contexts warning of judgment. In Jeremiah 5:17, it describes the comprehensive destruction an enemy will bring upon Judah, consuming their harvests and flocks. In Malachi 1:4, it refers to the literal ruination of Edom's fortified places, emphasizing their perpetual desolation. The usage pattern shows it applied to the consequences of divine judgment against nations.
Etymology
רָשַׁשׁ is a primitive root. It is related to the idea of shaking or tearing down. Cognates in other Semitic languages support meanings of destruction or breaking. The KJV's translation as 'impoverish' in Jeremiah 5:17 reflects how the root's sense of demolition extends to causing economic and social ruin.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it appears in contexts of God's covenant judgments. In Jeremiah, it illustrates the thoroughness of the covenant curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). In Malachi, it underscores God's sovereign control over nations, contrasting Edom's perpetual ruin with Israel's restoration. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the severity and totality of divine judgment against pride and rebellion.
In the ancient Near East, the demolition of city walls and buildings was the ultimate sign of a conquered and powerless nation. It meant not just military defeat but the erasure of security, identity, and economic viability. The term's use would evoke the deep cultural fear of total annihilation and subjugation.
חָרַב (charab, H2717) — to lay waste or desolate, often for a prolonged state. שָׁמַם (shamam, H8074) — to be appalled, devastated, or laid waste, emphasizing astonishment at desolation. הָרַס (haras, H2040) — to tear down or overthrow, a more general term for demolition.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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